The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League begins tomorrow at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Defending Champions Gujarat Titans start their title defense against Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural matches.
From Brendon McCullum’s blistering 158 to Royal Challengers’ final ball victory in 2021, The tournament opener has always been a spectacle to stare at. Scroll down to find out which teams have appeared in the tournament openers the most number of times.
Also, Read IPL 2024 Team Jersey. Let us have a look at every team IPL Jersey
#5 Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have appeared in the first match of an Indian Premier League edition twice. However, one appearance has been as Deccan Chargers.
The Deccan Chargers played Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match of the IPL 2010. The latter defeated the former by 11 runs in that match. The second time SRH appeared was in 2017, a re-match of the 2016 final. Yuvraj Singh scored a quickfire half-century to help the SRH to victory.
#4 Royal Challengers Bangalore – 4
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have appeared in a tournament opener four times. The first IPL match ever featured Royal Challengers Bangalore.
They made inaugural game appearances in 2008, 2017, 2019, and 2021. They have won just one (2021, against Mumbai Indians) while losing three. The team from Garden City has had very bad luck in tournament openers. They have been bowled out below 100 runs twice (82 v/s KKR in 2008, 72 v/s CSK in 2019).
#2 Chennai Super Kings – 7
The four-time champions Chennai Super Kings have played a tournament opener seven times. The team went on to win the trophy two times out of seven.
Chennai’s first time playing in a tournament opener was in 2009. They played Mumbai Indians at Capetown. The team has played Mumbai Indians in four of their tournament openers. They have won four of seven times.
#2 Kolkata Knight Riders – 7
Alongside Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata has also appeared in an IPL opener seven times. The Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise played RCB in the very first IPL match. Needless to say, they are instrumental in setting the heavy momentum by IPL by delivering a classic 158 by Baz McCullum.
They have good fortune when it comes to Inaugural games. Out of seven tournament Openers, Kolkata has won six of them. The only tournament opener they lost was in 2011. CSK defeated the Knight Riders then.
Also Read: IPL Schedule 2024 – Time Table, Fixtures, Venues, and Team-Wise Captains
#1 Mumbai Indians – 8
The most successful team in IPL also holds the record for the most number of inaugural games. They have gone on to win the coveted trophy two times, in 2015 and 2019.
Mumbai has a stroke of bad luck in opening games. Yes, that sounds like a legit Mumbai Statement ever. They have lost six times, only winning twice. Needless to say, Mumbai didn’t win the trophy in both years.
In addition to the five teams, Rising Pune Supergiants (2016), and Delhi Daredevils (2013) are the only teams to play a tournament opener of the Indian Premier League.
As we eagerly wait for the curtain reveal of the biggest tournament in India, questions are galore. Can Chennai defeat Gujarat? Who is gonna be the Most Valuable Player tomorrow?
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